The American Library Association (ALA) announced the winners of the 2026 I Love My Librarian Award early Monday. Serving communities across the nation, this year’s honorees are exceptional librarians from academic, public, and school libraries who were nominated by community members for their expertise, dedication, and profound impact on the people in their communities.
Each honoree receives a $5,000 cash prize as well as complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend ALA’s Annual Conference—the largest gathering of library professionals in the world—in Chicago this summer, where the award ceremony will also take place.
More than 1,300 people—parents, students, teachers, business leaders, community partners, and more—submitted stories highlighting how their librarians have gone above and beyond in their communities. Honorees were selected for their outstanding public service accomplishments.
“As ALA marks its 150th commemoration, we recognize the remarkable contributions these ten librarians make for our communities, for learning, for our health and for the public good,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “These librarians are people who power possibility in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our places of higher learning. Their leadership, creativity, and innovation strengthen the communities they serve, and we are proud to honor them.”
The 2026 award winners are:
- Mahasin Ameen – Indiana University Indianapolis
- Valerie Byrd Fort – University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
- Jenny Cox – Georgetown Middle School, Georgetown, SC
- Joanne Doucette – Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA
- Tracy Fitzmaurice – Fontana Regional Library, Bryson City, NC
- Mia Gittlen – Milpitas High School, Milpitas, CA
- Mary Anne Russo – Hubbard Public Library, Hubbard, OH
- Deb Sica – Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA
- Zachary Stier – Ericson Public Library, Boone, IA
- Christine Szeluga – Cranford High School, Cranford, NJ
Read more about these ten outstanding librarians and their inspiring work. And make sure to tune in Friday,June 26, 2026, at 7:30pm, for the livestream of the award ceremony on ALA’s YouTube channel!
Since the award’s establishment in 2008, library lovers across the U.S. have shared more than 25,000 nominations detailing how librarians have gone above and beyond in their communities to promote literacy, expand access to technology, and create more welcoming spaces. Only 180 librarians have received the award.
Carnegie Corporation of New York has sponsored the I Love My Librarian Award since its inception, with additional support from the New York Public Library. The American Library Association administers the award.
